45 killed in Houthi-besieged city of Taiz

SANAA - Yemeni security officials say fighting is raging in the besieged central city of Taiz, where 45 people, including three civilians, have been killed in two days of fierce combat that has sent families fleeing from their homes.

They said Sunday that dozens of families were evacuated after artillery hit residential areas, and that ambulances were not able to access areas where fighting continues.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief the press.

Taiz has been hard hit by fighting since coming under siege by Shiite rebels, known as Houthis.

Yemen’s war began nearly two years ago. It pits the internationally recognized government against Shiite rebels who control the capital, Sanaa, and are allied with forces loyal to a former president.